ONEIDA COUNTY
Vital
Alive Active Agile Busy Animated Dynamic Energetic Forceful Lively Spirited Vivacious Potent Strong Healthy Alive Active Agile Busy Animated Dynamic Energetic Forceful Lively Spirited Vivacious Potent Strong Alive Healthy Alive Active Agile Busy Animated Dynamic
For Your Active Lifestyle
December 2011 Vol. 1 No. 2
COMPLIMENTARY
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With visions of sugarplums... 6 Williams Street, Clinton NY 13323 PHONE: 315-525-3582 FAX: 518-673-0021 www.pulsepointpress.com Janet Stanley, Publisher janet.stanley@pulsepointpress.com
Pu l se
ONEIDA COUNTY
Who What When and Where
Pulse features an all inclusive comprehensive focus on whats happening in Oneida County which is attractive to residents as well as visitors! For the young and young at heart!
white right now
WHO, WHAT, WHEN and December 2011 Vol. 1 No. 2
COMPLIMENTARY
www.pulsepointpress.com
ONEIDA COUNTY
Vital
Alive Active Agile Busy Animated Dynamic Energetic Forceful Lively Spirited Vivacious Potent Strong Healthy Alive Active Agile Busy Animated Dynamic Energetic Forceful Lively Spirited Vivacious Potent Strong Alive Healthy Alive Active Agile Busy Animated Dynamic
WHERE “GO-TO” MAGAZINE
Vital focuses on healthy living for the active adult who is no longer part of the 20 something crowd... Although you’d never know it!
For Your Active Lifestyle
Vital is the magazine for those who are actively involved in the process of living!
Well it’s hard to believe that another month has passed and the second issues of PULSE and VITAL are out! It seems like yesterday, Matt and I were sitting on our patio on a warm summers evening debating on what to do with my “retirement!” I guess I should have known I could not really just retire, do nothing, be idle... not me! It has been an absolutely wonderful experience becoming a part of this Oneida County community. Opening the office in Clinton, being a part of the Halloween activities, the farmers markets, the strolls; getting to meet folks from all parts of the county has truly been an uplifting time for me!
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Castle is a magazine for everyone who takes pride in their “castle” whether its a one bedroom apartment or a gated mansion. We all are Kings and Queens of our Castles and are looking for ways to love them improve them, protect them and simply enjoy them! Castle coming March 1, 2012 We welcome your calendar of events items from your church, organizations, groups, clubs, schools, etc. email: janet.stanley@pulsepointpress.com or fax: 518-673-0021 2 VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011
On the cover of Vital this month is my sweet Grandson, Gage. I thought his face captured
Seeing the community spirit that oozes from hamlet to hamlet, and the desire to join hands to make things happen to keep the local economies strong is such a beautiful thing! When we support each other, we keep the money in our local communities. It cycles around and bounces from business to business making all of us stronger. Once the money is sent out of our communities... It bounces.... But not here, it bounces there... Where it was sent, not for our benefit.
December 2011 Vol. 1 No. 2
COMPLIMENTARY
This Christmas, I look forward to spending time with my family and friends, catching up on things, and that wonderful feeling I get when I hear laughter and love coming from the other rooms of the house. There is no other sound or feeling on earth that I find more comforting than that.
My wish for this Christmas season is that we all think about shopping local.... And when I say local, I am referring to the mom and pop shops out there. The locally owned and operated businesses. I had the pleasure for the first time while a member of this community, to see the Stroll at the New Hartford Shopping Center and then the Stroll in Clinton! Seeing the hoards of people who came out to show support for the local businesses was such an amazing sight to see! There is just something special about walking into a small town shop and knowing the people by first name and being greeted as a friend not just a customer!
the wonder of the season. The photo in this article is my stepdaughter, Olivia, complete with her kool-aid smile with our Oliver as her faithful companion. On page 14 is my beautiful daughter Lyndsay and her husband Will. Family is God’s gift to us. I am ever thankful for mine as I am sure you are of yours. In this hectic time of year my hope is that we all slow down enough to enjoy and cherish those moments. Remember to keep Christ in Christmas and to be thankful for your many blessings as I am thankful for you and the warm welcome you have all shown to us. May God Bless you all and may you have a joyous and blessed Christmas with your families and friends. With gratitude,
DO’S & DON’TS FOR
exchanging gifts with coworkers
do... Make sure that you know your company’s policy on gift-giving. For example, are there specified or hen among the masses shopping for unstated spending limits? holiday gifts, consumers might want to take a close look at the expressions on Be clear about who their fellow shoppers’ faces. Note the ones whose should be on your gift eyes are glazed over, who are anxiously biting their list. Do you get gifts bottom lips or seem to be exhibiting recurring facial for everyone in your twitches. These are not individuals on the verge of a department or just nervous breakdown. In fact, many are otherwise well those individuals with adjusted people in the throes of choosing holiday gifts whom you interact most for their coworkers or bosses. frequently? Choose thoughtful and While there is nothing inherently complicated about tasteful gifts, whether choosing tokens of appreciation for one’s associates buying a different item or superiors, the challenge is not just choosing the for each person or the right token, but in choosing something without the same item for all. potential to offend or confuse the recipient. Consider gifts that can be To help make the process go smoothly from purchase used in the office, such as distinctive office supplies, to presentation, here are some of the chief do’s and a photo frame, gadget, don’ts for office gift-giving.
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calendar, or pen. Go for gifts that can be shared either at home or work, such as gourmet food items, books or plants. Find out if colleagues have food or plant allergies before selecting gifts in those categories. Take the time to package and wrap gifts with care.
don’t... Overspend, especially when purchasing a gift for your boss. Give presents to colleagues outside of your “gift circle” in order to make a good impression or curry favor.
Choose “joke” or “gag” gifts, even for coworkers you think you know well. While the recipient might appreciate the gesture, it could be misinterpreted by others. Re-gift or give items that are used or in anything but pristine condition. Stray outside the limits of “good taste.” In other words, don’t even think about gifts that could be considered too personal (including clothing, perfume or jewelry) or are in any way political, religious, racial, or sexual. Leave anyone out. Hurt feelings are hard to overcome and can strain otherwise productive working relationships.
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VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011 3
Credit Crunch
MANAGING CREDIT CARDS DURING THE HOLIDAYS
The holiday season is synonymous with many things. Among those things is holiday shopping. Some people revel in holiday shopping, while others would just as soon never see a mall again the rest of their lives. Regardless of where men and women stand on holiday shopping, an essential element to a successful shopping season is managing money wisely. For most consumers, that means using credit cards in a way that won’t leave them with a mountain of bills come January. This holiday season, consider the following suggestions to ensure
successful. • Beware of retailer credit cards. Retailer credit cards entice customers during the holiday season, typically offering 10 percent back on the first purchase after applying and receiving the card. While this entices many consumers to sign on the dotted line, shoppers should know retail credit cards often come with high interest rates. For shoppers who plan to carry a balance, these interest rates can add up, negating the benefit of that 10 percent discount at the register. If a retail credit card offers a reasonable interest rate or something like 18 months with no interest on more expensive purchases, then it might be worth considering. But for the most part consumers are better off simply paying full price and not signing up for a card they don’t need just to save an extra 10 percent.
your holiday shopping doesn’t come back to haunt you when all those bills are due after the New Year. • Don’t start spending until you have devised a repayment plan.
Particularly during the holidays, consumers tend to spend first and worry about payments later. However, this is a dangerous approach. Before spending a dime, have a plan to pay bills already in place. This helps shoppers avoid going over budget and finding themselves in a nightmare come January when the bills are due. When devising a plan, be as specific as possible, such as setting a February 1 deadline to pay off all credit cards. The more specific you can be, the more likely the plan is going to be
• Be careful when using multiple cards. Using several cards tends to give consumers a false sense of security. Consumers who use multiple credit cards during the holidays often feel this keeps them from piling up a massive balance on one card. However, the best strategy is to simply use the card that boasts the best interest rate. • Know your balance and where you stand. A holiday shopping spree can quickly grow out of control, but shoppers must know their balances at all times. Exceeding the balance typically results in hefty penalties, and those penalties are something most shoppers simply can’t afford during the often costly holiday season. If one card is maxed out, shoppers might want to cease their holiday spending altogether. A financial situation in which a person is carrying a maxed-out credit card is never ideal, and shoppers should not dig themselves a deeper hole by spending more on top of that. Instead, they can work toward paying down the balance and spending less on holiday gifts. The holiday season is a fun time of year, but consumers can quickly spoil their season if they aren’t responsible when using credit cards to make their holiday purchases.
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GIFTS APPAREL
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If you thought layaway plans had gone the way of eight-track players and floppy disks, think again. The deferred payment or installment plan, once popular with budget-conscious consumers — especially during the holiday season — is making a big comeback. For people who are unfamiliar with the concept or were born after the 1980s (when installment plans gave way to credit card purchases and other types of financing), layaway is a simple way to purchase merchandise — interest-free — over time. Consumers select the items they want to buy from a retailer offering the plan, make a deposit, which often includes a modest service charge, and pay for the merchandise over a specified period. Once the item has been paid in full, the retailer releases the goods to the consumer. The only potential glitch is if the consumer fails to make payments in full or on time. In that event, the retailer has the option of returning the customer’s payments (less service charges) and reselling the items. While there’s no doubt that today’s shaky economy has contributed to the revival of layaway plans, economists and representatives of several of the nation’s leading retailers and layaway providers insist
that the recession is only part of the story. For retailers, layaway plans open the doors to millions of new customers who would not be able to make purchases without them. For consumers, paying in installments is increasingly viewed as a sound financial tool for purchasing necessities and managing expenses, particularly during the holiday season. Overall, layaway plans are heavy on benefits, including: No fine print: For the most part, retailers’ layaway plans are straightforward and easy to understand. No credit checks: Credit checks are not required to enter into a layaway contract, making it a great option for people who are trying to rebuild their credit due to foreclosure or past credit card problems. No need to leave home: Some retailers have launched e-layaway programs, making it possible for consumers to purchase online over time. There are only a few drawbacks to layaway plans, but they are worth noting: Missed payments: Making payments — and making them on time — is the key to a successful layaway purchase. The penalty for missing payments is the cancellation of the layaway contract. However, most plans offer a seven-day grace period for missed payments. It is important to know the details of each retailer’s plan before signing a contract.
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8530 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford, NY 315-797-3350 VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011 7
Shipping Gifts MORE THAN JUST TIMING
When shipping holiday gifts, much of the focus is on getting those gifts in the mail on time. While it’s important to avoid procrastinating when shipping holiday gifts, there’s more to shipping gifts than just getting them sent out promptly. When shipping holiday gifts this season, consider the following tips. Ship through an online retailer. Billing address and the shipping address are two different categories when buying from an online retailer, and holiday shoppers should take advantage of a retailer’s willingness to package and ship gifts for you. Many online retailers will even gift-wrap items for you and include a personal note as well.
Protect the gift. For those who won’t be using an online retailer, be sure to protect the gift, especially if it’s fragile. Use bubble cushioning and packing peanuts when sending fragile items through the mail. If sending multiple items, wrap each item tightly in bubble cushioning but leave some space between the items for peanuts. Carefully pack perishables. When sending perishable items, always send them via next-day delivery and never ship them near the end of the week, such as a Friday or Saturday. Items shipped on Friday and Saturday should be able to withstand a few days of being in transit. But when sending cheeses, fruits or any other perishable items, it’s best to do so early in the week and choose next-day delivery. Insure more expensive gifts. Don’t skimp on insurance when sending expensive gifts such as jewelry through the mail. Shipping companies typically only insure items up to a certain amount, so insure more expensive items through your own insurance company so their full value is covered. Comparison shop when shipping. Comparison shopping not only applies to holiday gifts, but shipping as well. Shipping companies, including the post office, compete for business come the holidays, and you can likely find a good deal to reduce the cost of shipping holiday gifts, costs that can add up if shipping several gifts.
Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
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gift or tip. For example, a child’s babysitter or nanny deserves a little something extra come the holidays because you likely see that person on a regular basis. The same goes for the postman or a dog walker. Men and women you rarely see or rarely need do not warrant a tip or gift.
Tipping point WHO TO TIP DURING THE HOLIDAYS Come the holiday season, most people find themselves in a giving mood. Gifting friends, family and even coworkers is common, but there are many other people in our daily lives who societal norms suggest deserve a gift as well. Holiday tipping is more common in certain areas than others, but there are a few questions men and women can ask themselves when trying to decide if a person in their lives deserves a holiday tip or gift.
Is the person a professional? Men and women who provide professional services, such as accountants, lawyers and doctors, do not warrant a tip during the holidays. These professionals are
Did the person go above and beyond?
Where do you live? Where a person lives also goes a long way toward determining a holiday tip or gift. People who live in apartments should show their appreciation to the doorman and building superintendent with a tip or gift. Homeowners need not tip their local handyman, however, even if he performs the same tasks as a building superintendent. Homeowners tend to do more of their own fixups around the house, while apartment dwellers often rely on the super to keep their apartment in tip-top shape.
How often do you see the person? How frequently you see a person can help determine if that person deserves a holiday
FREEMAN OOTE &F
as a bottle of wine might be a nice gesture. But it’s certainly not mandatory.
already paid handsomely for their services, and many might even gift their customers. For those who have an especially strong relationship with their accountant, lawyer, etc., perhaps a gift such
Of course, there are no ironclad rules when it comes to tipping or gifting others during the holidays. For example, many people don’t find it necessary to tip their auto mechanic come the holidays for the same reasons you wouldn’t tip an attorney. Both are already well compensated, and an extra tip is not necessary. However, if your auto mechanic saved your car from the scrap heap or provided service that is above and beyond what you have a right to expect, then perhaps a tip or a thoughtful gift is in order. When the holiday season arrives, generosity often reigns. But men and women should not feel obligated to tip or gift every person in their lives.
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Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011 9
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‘Tis the season for ONLINE HOLIDAY SCAMS AND CONS It is sad but true: As the holiday season heats up, so do the number of scams and cons perpetrated on unsuspecting consumers. Å While swindlers, thieves and pickpockets operate year-round, the period from November to January offers criminals more opportunities for wrongdoing and a population of prospective targets who are feeling generous and preoccupied with the demands and doings of the holiday season. Consumers can avoid being victimized this season by being both wary and aware of the types of holiday scams that are out there. According to ConsumerAffairs.com, some of the most common online cons include: Charity “phishing” scams. During the holiday season, computer hackers prey on people’s generosity by sending what appear to be legitimate e-mails seeking donations to legitimate charities. However, these cybercriminals use fake Web sites with the purpose of stealing not only donations, but donors’ identities and credit card information. What to do: Ignore and immediately delete e-mails asking for donations and personal information. Make charitable donations directly to organizations you know and trust. Fake delivery invoices. The rise of Internet shopping has opened the doors to scams involving fake invoices and delivery notices from services such as FedEx, UPS or even the U.S. Customs Service. Cybercriminals e-mail consumers requesting credit card information to credit the bank account or inform users that they have to open an online invoice or U.S. customs
form in order to receive their package. This is actually a way for criminals to install malware — software that is intended to damage or disable computers and computer systems — and steal personal information. What to do: Track online purchases carefully and know what items are en route at any given time. Internet retailers will inform you when an item has shipped, but delivery services and U.S. Customs do not issue online invoices. Social networking and holiday e-card scams. The holiday season is a social time of year when cybercriminals seize opportunities to steal personal information through social network “friend requests” and bogus holiday e-cards. What to do: If you receive a friend request or e-card from someone you don’t know and have never heard of, don’t click on the link. Identity theft from public computers and open networks. With millions of online holiday transactions speeding through cyberspace, cyberthieves are in hacker heaven. What to do: To ensure that your personal information is safe from the spying eyes of hackers, shop only on secure Web sites and never make financial transactions from a public computer or an open WI-Fi connection. The bottom line: The holiday season is when cybercriminals go into high gear, so be aware of any e-mail that looks fishy or requests personal information. If you’re unsure, the best bet is to delete the e-mail and contact the Better Business Bureau online at www.bbb.org or the U.S. Department of Justice at www.cybercrime.gov.
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Six strategies for TRANQUIL HOLIDAY TRAVEL
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Luke 2:15-16 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
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Traveling during the holiday season is a mixed blessing. School vacations and time off from work provide great Don’t forget to check flights to opportunities to spend a “White and from alternate airports. For Christmas” with faraway family and example, you may be able to save friends or sneak in an end-of-year on a flight to San Francisco by flying getaway via “The Polar Express.” into San Jose. And when heading At the same time, holiday travel can to the New York City area, flights be both expensive and stressful. to LaGuardia and JFK might be less While it’s all but impossible to avoid expensive than those bound for the costs and crowds completely, Newark. with these time-honored travel strategies, travelers can prevent Mix and match. Great deals can be “The Nightmare Before Christmas” had by using different carriers for and find yourself uttering, “It’s a incoming and outgoing flights or by Wonderful Life.” booking two one-way flights rather than a round-trip. By checking a Book now, go later. The first rule variety of sites — including both of thumb for holiday travel is to individual airlines and aggregator make travel plans as far in advance sites, which search several different as possible. By booking months travel sites simultaneously — you ahead of your departure date, you can rest assured that you got the can lock in lower airfares and seat best available prices and flights. In assignments. For Christmas travel, addition, by booking flights, hotels make every effort to purchase and rental cars through the same tickets by early October. travel site, be it a single site or a Go off-peak. travel aggregator, Weekend travel, ...prevent “The Nightmare you may be able Before Christmas” and find to score even which often includes Fridays better deals. yourself uttering, and Mondays, Don’t dodge the “It’s a Wonderful Life.” is almost always details. These days, more expensive airlines are once again charging than travel during the week. If passengers for a variety of items possible, schedule both departing that were once included in their and returning flights for Tuesday, posted airfares. Be sure to note Wednesday and Thursday. whether a published airfare includes all taxes and fees and check each Timing is everything. Typically, there carrier’s baggage policy. And when is less demand for the first and last reviewing airfares, make sure that flights of the day, which means you are comparing “apples to less competition for seats and the apples.” In other words, be certain possibility of lower fares. If you that the two airfares both include can fly on the big day itself, even or exclude taxes, fees and baggage better. While you may be able to charges, snacks, and things like snag great deals on Thanksgiving upgrade fees for additional legroom. or Christmas day flights, January 1st tends to be a more popular Do delay! Sometimes waiting until the eleventh hour isn’t such a bad travel day. Another option? Plan idea, especially when last-minute your trip for the week between fares can save you money or open Christmas and New Year’s, when the door to a spur-of-the-moment many travelers have already settled vacation. in their destinations.
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MEMORABLE HOLIDAY PARTY
The holidays are the most festive time of the year, and no holiday season is complete without a party or two with family and friends. Be it to celebrate a religious holiday or to ring in the New Year, a holiday party is an essential element to the holiday season. While it’s always great to be a guest, hosting a holiday party is a great way to show friends and family how much they mean to you. This holiday season, consider the following tips to ensure your holiday party is as memorable as the season is merry. * Make it a themed party. The holiday season is filled with festivities, from office parties to neighborhood gatherings to gatherings with family. For more casual affairs, set your party apart with a theme. For example, a Christmas sweater party, where each guest wears a Christmas sweater, can be a fun way to excite guests
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and inspire a few laughs. Give a prize to the guest with the most ornate sweater. If sweaters aren’t your thing, then encourage guests to dress up like some favorite holiday characters, including Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman or even Rudolph. * Don’t forget the holiday fare. Just like parties are a staple of
the holiday season, so, too, are certain foods and types of music. Few people indulge in some eggnog outside of the holiday season, so make sure there’s plenty of eggnog on hand. And don’t forget the gingerbread cookies, either. As people enjoy holiday goodies, make sure they do so with holiday music play-
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ing in the background. Choose songs that guests know and to which they can sing along. Such sing-alongs might become especially memorable once guests have a glass or two of eggnog in them. * Host a holiday giveaway. Though it can be fun to do a Secret Santa, chances are guests already have enough gifts to buy. But hosts can spice things up with a holiday giveaway that rewards guests. Host a holiday-themed round of Trivial Pursuit or a holiday movie trivia game that encourages guests to compete for prizes. Prizes can be small and inexpensive, but guests will be sure to enjoy some friendly competition for holidaythemed prizes. * Prearrange transportation home for guests. A successful holiday party is one that is safe, so be sure to prearrange travel home for guests just in case anyone overindulges in holiday cheer. When sending out invitations, seek volunteers to be designated drivers, and avoid drinking alcohol yourself. For larger parties, call a local taxi service and arrange for a couple of cabs to be on call when the party ends.
Vital/Pulse
Sweet Facts
Candy canes are very popular holiday treats and are often used to decorate Christmas trees. That hooked shape certainly makes them whimsical and able to hang on tree boughs. But candy canes weren’t always the curved and colorful treats they are today. In the 1700s, candy canes were nothing more than straight white sticks of sugar candy used to decorate Christmas trees. A choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral decided that having the ends bent to depict a shepherd’s crook and passing them out during church services would help keep children quiet. It was not until roughly the 20th century that candy canes acquired their red stripes. Some surmise that the candy cane is shaped like a shepherd’s crook to represent Jesus Christ, who tended to his flock of supporters. Others say that it’s a “J” for Jesus. Regardless of their shape, hundreds of thousands of candy canes are now manufactured and shipped for the holiday season each year. VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011 13
A BLIZZARD IS ONE OF WINTER’S
Great Storms Every winter comes with its own warnings of nasty weather. Blizzardlike conditions is a popular term used in conjunction with a snowstorm. People may wonder what actually constitutes a blizzard and just how common it can be. Blizzards are often associated with heavy snowfalls. However, they can also be caused simply by strong winds blowing around existing snow. The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as large amounts of falling or blowing snow with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibility of less than 1/4 of a mile for an extended period of time (greater than 3 hours). In essence, it is the limitation of visibility that often defines a blizzard and not entirely the snowfall totals. Blizzards can be dangerous due to the whiteout conditions caused by blowing snow. It may be difficult or even impossible to drive or walk in a particular direction because of the inability to see. Blizzards and their strong winds also contribute to cold wind chill factors, or the feeling of the air temperature when the wind is taken into consideration. Wind chill can make it feel several degrees colder than the actual air temperature and result in frostbite or hypothermia. Apart from their effect on the body, blizzards also may 14 VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011
wreak havoc at home. Power outages due to heavy snow on branches and power lines
that storm, on December 26, 2010, the east coast of the U.S. experienced more than 20 inches of snow, crippling New York City due to understaffed sanitation workers from the Christmas holiday. People were trapped in their homes, and ambulance crews were blocked from rescuing people. Commuter trains, subways and buses were all halted by the monster storm. If a blizzard is projected, there are some safety precautions to take. * Listen to the upto-date weather warnings.
and blowing wind can damage wires and cause widespread power loss. Storms near coastal areas may cause coastal flooding. Homes in low-lying areas may be flooded as a result. Experts have found that for those who live in the West and in Alaska, blizzard winds coming off mountains have been known to reach up to 100 mph and damage roofs and other structures. Blizzards are actually quite common, even more than one might think. Over a 41-year-period of study by authors who published in the Journal of Climate in 2002, 438 blizzards took place between 1959 and 2000 in the U.S. The research found an average of 10.7 blizzards took place every year, 27 during the period of 19961997 alone. In early 2011, a megastorm dumped more than two feet of snow on the Windy City, stopping normal daily activities for several days. A few months prior to
* Keep batterypowered radios and other items handy in the event of a power failure.
* Invest in a generator, if possible. * Check your supply of heating fuel and also stock up on other ways to stay warm if the heat is off due to a power failure. * Keep an extra stock of unperishable foods. * Never light fires or barbecues indoors. * Avoid overexertion outdoors. Wait until the storm stops. * If caught outside, attempt to find dry shelter. * Be equipped for the worst with extra supplies.
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Luke 1:30-31 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
Chances are, holiday revelers will find themselves underneath the mistletoe at least once this holiday season. While they might know what to do when that time comes, they might not know the history of that plant above their heads. Especially sacred to Celtic Druids, mistletoe was believed bestow life and fertility, while also protecting against poison and serving as an aphrodisiac. Mistletoe would later take on a more political meaning, as the ritual of cutting the mistletoe came symbolized the emasculation of the old King by his successor. Nowadays, mistletoe is typically hung in doorways or entryways from one room to another. This tradition can also trace itself back several centuries to the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits.
Throughout Europe, mistletoe was placed over doorways in the house as well as the stables as a means to preventing the entrance of witches. The tradition of kissing underneath the mistletoe likely stems from the belief that mistletoe bestows fertility and is often associated with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a period of merrymaking that pre-dated Christmas. In 18th century England, a young lady standing underneath the mistletoe could not refuse to be kissed. Once kissed, the kiss would signify deep romance or eternal friendship. History also suggests that mistletoe was a symbol of peace. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace. When standing underneath the mistletoe, enemies could declare a truce and spouses could end any marital turmoil with a kiss.
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CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Around the Globe
Families across the globe cherish their Christmas traditions. Customs may be unique to every family, but many countries boast their own unique traditions as well. * Australia: Many Australians celebrate Christmas by coming together at night to sing carols outside. That’s not as chilly as it might sound, as Christmas in Australia actually falls during summer vacation. In fact, many of the country’s most popular Christmas traditions occur outside. * England: Contrary to Australia, England’s weather around Christmastime is much colder. Many of England’s traditions resemble those popular in North America, including wrapping gifts, hanging stockings over the fireplace and gathering around the Christmas tree. Kids inEngland write a letter with their wishes to Father Christmas, but unlike mailing those letters like many North American children do, English children toss their letters into a fire so their Christmas wishes can go up the chimney. * France: Christmas celebrations in France begin several weeks before
December 25, but Christmas Eve is most special to many natives of France. On Christmas Eve, church bells ring as people sing noels, or carols. The following day, a feast is enjoyed upon returning home from church. * Germany: In Germany, the weather is cold during the Christmas season, and in the weeks leading up to Christmas families bake sweet bread, cakes with candied fruits and spicy
have adopted this tradition, which they often refer to as luminaria.
Christmas is when many families select their Christmas tree.
* Sweden: Christmas celebrations in Sweden begin on December 13, the day the country celebrates St. Lucia’s Day. Celebrations for St. Lucia, the patron saint of light, are intricate and involve the whole family. A couple of days before
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cookies. Advent wreaths are popular in Germany and are purchased four Sundays before Christmas begins. The wreaths have places for four candles, and families light a candle on the wreath each Sunday. * Mexico: Families in Mexico celebrate Christmas by decorating their homes with lilies or evergreens. Because the weather is warm, many families also cut designs into brown paper bags before inserting a candle and then setting the designs, called farolitos, along the sidewalk, on windowsills, on rooftops, and along outdoor walls. Many communities in the southwestern United States VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011 19
DO PETS MAKE GOOD GIFTS? To the millions of pet owners across the globe, pets are more than just furry friends around the house. Pets put many people in a good mood and can also make for a valuable addition to families with children, instilling a sense of responsibility in kids they might otherwise never learn. But pets are also a very personal choice. Such a reality makes giving a pet as a present during the holiday season a difficult proposition -- one that requires careful consideration of the pros and cons before making a final decision.
The Pros * Companionship: Pets make fine companions, and many people think giving a pet as a present during the holiday season is a great way to put a smile on a lonely friend or relative’s face. However, when giving a pet in the hopes it will provide companionship, be sure to find a pet that’s known for liking attention, such as a golden retriever, and not a pet that doesn’t require much care or appreciate the attention. * The surprise element: Oftentimes, when a family pet dies it takes awhile before the family is ready to get a new pet. However, if sufficient time has elapsed, the surprise element of a new pet at the holidays can make it one of the more memorable holidays ever. The same can be said when giving a child their first pet. For moms and dads who have decided the kids are ready for their first pet, the holidays make a great time to surprise them with a Fido or Morris of their own. 20 VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011
The Cons * Personal choice: Pets don’t
take long to become a member of the family. And that’s often because pets are a deeply personal choice made by the pet owner and his or her family. Giving a pet as a gift might be a nice gesture, but many people would prefer to pick their own pets. * Timing: Not all families are ready for a pet. Even parents who want to add a pet to their home should consider if the timing is right. Are kids ready for the responsibility of a pet? Is the family ready to add another member? Timing should also be a consideration for those thinking of giving a pet to someone they don’t live with. It might be a nice gesture to
some people might not be physically capable of caring for a pet. Dogs, for instance, need to be taken on daily walks or, at the very least, taken outside to relieve themselves. What’s more, training a puppy is no small task. If a friend or family member does not appear capable of caring for a pet, consider a different gift.
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Pets are prized pals in many households. However, guests invited over for a special occasion who are not as enamored with animals may not be anxious about sharing party space with Fido or the family feline. In such instances, it’s up to the host to make guests feel more comfortable. In the days leading up to the party, consult guests about any pet allergies. If a person who will be coming over is allergic to cats or dogs, thoroughly clean and air out the house. Regardless of how diligent a host is, it only takes a little bit of an irritant to trigger an allergic reaction. As a courtesy to guests who are a little intimidated by pets, keep the dog or cat in a separate room. Be sure to feed and walk the animal prior to company coming over so he or she will be comfortable. Do not yell at the pet or make it feel like the seclusion is a punishment. If young children will be in attendance, it can be a good idea to keep pets secured in another area as a precaution. Even the bestbehaved pets may become skittish with a lot of people around and act out of character. Young children are prone to pulling on dogs’ ears
or engaging in chase and teasing behaviors. Because as party host you’ll have to divide your attention among many things, you do not want to have to worry about the interaction between pets and children. Pets that have some behavioral issues should definitely be separated from
guests for safety’s sake. Some pet parents find that bringing pets to a boarder or pet daycare on the day of their party is a wise idea. This way the pet is away from the commotion and he or she can enjoy time with other animals. Parties can be stressful for animals as well. Keeping them away from the situation may be the most ideal solution. Should guests be comfortable with pets around, be sure they are aware of some house rules. This includes not feeding the animal from the table or whatever else is priority in the house. Although pets are an integral part of many people’s family dynamic, guest comfort takes precedence over pets when it comes to opening up the home for a party or other gathering. VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011 21
AN EASY, AFFORDABLE OPTION
Gift baskets
The go-to gift of late is the gift card. Chance are, though, that recipients -- although thrilled that they can do their own shopping -- may find gift cards a bit impersonal.
interest can fit the bill when shoppers can’t decide on a gift to buy. The advantage to gift baskets is that they can be assembled for just about any hobby, interest or occasion. They don’t even have to be in a traditional “basket.” Here’s a look of some easy gift groupings to fit a wide variety of events.
Statistics indicate that around $100 million in gift cards are purchased every year in the U.S. Despite being a popular gift item, roughly six to 10 percent of all gift cards go unused, according to the Tower Group. Some even come with inactivity fees. As an alternative to gift cards, gift baskets may be a welcome change.
* New baby: A collection of baby-themed items works when wishing new parents well. It can also be a good solution for when all of the bigger-scale items on a baby registry have already been purchased and only the smaller, lower-priced things are left. Put together infant Tshirts, wash cloths, outlet safety plugs, shampoo, diapers, and the other things new parents may not immediately think to
Gift baskets are relatively easy to put together and sometimes, especially around key holidays, can be purchased ready-made. Grouping similarly themed items together to fit a particular
buy. Wrap it all up in a portable baby bathtub for a container that has utility.
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* Housewarming: Kitchen essentials are good ideas for newlyweds or those who just bought a new home. Scour the kitchen tool aisles of department stores or specialty shops. These can be themed according to what is purchased as well. For example, fill a large mixing bowl with a rubber spatula, a box of paper muffin cups, cake mix, and mixing spoons for the person who loves to bake. * Travel: Getting ready to take a trip can be a bit hectic, and a traveler may overlook some of the essentials that can make the vacation more pleasurable. Items like a travel alarm clock, miniature size toiletries, traveler’s checks, gum, a journal, travel guides, and a memory card for the person’s camera are good ideas. Pack all of these things inside of an expandable tote bag. * Kids activity bag: A simple gift that fits the needs of kids is a
backpack or tote bag filled with boredom-busters. These can include portable manipulative toys, coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, puzzles, DVDs, a disposable camera, and any other toys that fit the interests of the recipient. * Host/hostess gift: Saying thanks to a friend or family member who has invited you over for a dinner or overnight stay can be as simple as grouping a few things together. Put together a basket with a set of sheets, hand towels, pillow and other essentials that can be appreciated by future guests. * Food: One gift idea that goes quite well in a gift basket is food. Pick a theme and put the items together. Barbecue lovers can appreciate sauce, shish kabob skewers, spice rubs, a cookbook, hickory chips, grill tools, and other similar items. Gift baskets are personalized gifts that are easy to assemble and can be a viable alternative to gift cards.
Falling in Love With Chocolate The average American eats 11 pounds of chocolate every year, a significant percentage of which is enjoyed around Christmas and Valentine’s Day . The reason people are known to enjoy and crave chocolate may be connected to its chemical components. Chocolate has been known to affect mood in many ways. It contains 380 known chemicals, triggering a host of responses in the brain. Chocolate can trigger the production of opioids, which are chemicals, such as those found in opium, that produce a feeling of well-being (euphoria). Eating chocolate then may make a
person feel better, which is why chocolate is often a turn-to comfort snack.
Chocolate also may work like THC, the chemical components in marijuana, extending the feeling of being “high” or wellbeing. Chocolate can also increase blood pressure and bloodsugar levels, attributing to feelings of alertness. The caffeine in chocolate also acts as a stimulant. However, the reason chocolate may be snatched up come Valentine’s Day is that chocolate
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appears to contain phenylalanine, the same chemical that is produced by the brain when people fall in love. Doctors think that eating chocolate creates a
temporary “love high.” For those gifting chocolate, consider dark chocolate, which is also high in antioxidants. This chocolate is among the healthier varieties in which to indulge.
BE CHARITABLE
Without Spending Money
Many people equate charity to financial donations. But individuals can be charitable with their time as well. According to Charity Navigator, a nonprofit organization that monitors charities, Americans gave more than $290 billion to charity in 2010. Thirty-five percent of all donations went to religious organizations. Much of these contributions can be attributed to people giving to their local place of worship. Donations toward educational services and programs were the second most common types of donations. Although charitable giving through monetary donations are important, men and women can donate more than just money. Here are some ways to do just that. * Donate hair. There are many different charities that collect hair for individuals undergoing cancer treatments that resulted in hair loss. These charities col-
lect hair of lengths between 8 to 12 inches and turn the locks into wigs for the needy. * Donate your stuff. Before tossing unused items into the trash, assess these items and determine if they’re still useful. There are many places that will accept noncash donations, be it clothing, electronics, children’s toys, etc. For example, halfway homes that house abused women and children who have left dangerous situations can typically make good use of noncash donations and accept them willingly. * Donate blood. Blood banks are often in short supply. Blood supplies typically diminish during natural disasters or storms and need donors are needed to help replenish supplies. Type O blood is the universal blood type and can be transferred to anyone. Those with Type O negative blood are really in demand because their blood donations are VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011 23
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RESOLUTION IDEAS
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Each and every New Year’s Day, millions of people across the globe resolve to make positiive changes in their life. Known as New Year’s resolutions, these ideas or commitments can fall by the wayside or prove to be a positive life-changing experience. Some of the more popular resolution ideas include the following: * Losing weight * Saving more and spending less * Visit a foreign country * Find a way to make supplemental income * Volunteer to help the less fortunate
Charitable from previous page vital for accident victims and babies needing transfusions. Only about 7 percent of the population has Type O negative blood, according to the American Red Cross.
donate their services to others, especially those who are unable to afford them in an unstable economy. * Raise awareness. You can be
* Give your time. Many different organizations are understaffed and can always use the helping hands of volunteers. Check with organizaDonating clothing is one method of giving that tions in your does not require a financial investment. Daniel R area to see Cook Drycleaning in the New Hartford Shopping if any need Center is collecting Coats for kids... See his ad on some extra page 23. help. Also the mouthpiece for an organizacheck with a son or daughter’s tion or special agenda. Either school. Some schools can use spread the word door-to-door, volunteers in the library or othdraft letters or make public er special curriculum classrooms speeches. where staffing has been reduced because of budget cuts. There are many benefits to making financial donations. But * Offer free services. Professiondonating time, services or beals, such as accountants, attorlongings are additional ways to neys, teachers, and tutors can make a difference.
* Start (or finish) writing that novel * Quit smoking tobacco
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A photograph is more than just A gift to bring or send. And more than just the likeness of A relative or friend. It is a kindly greeting and A memory to hold. Of happy times and pleasant things. However new or old.
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It is a mirror that reflects Companionship and cheer. And now and then the wistfulness That turns into a tear. A photograph is something to Adorn a desk or wall. Or carry in a pocket and Display to one and all. It is a faithful portrait The smile that friendship shares To add its sunshine and to show That someone really cares. by James Metcalfe
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“Gems are the flowers of the mineral kingdom and the fancy colored diamond is the orchid.” --Rene Just Hauey, crystallographer Engagements, weddings, anniversaries -- these are the moments in our lives that make up so many of our strongest memories. Part of the reason these special occasions are so memorable is due to the lengths we go to set them apart from others -- including the traditions and gifts used to mark the events. Jewelry is an integral part of relationship ceremonies and celebrations. We seek the brightest and the best in gems as a testament to our love and devotion. However, in the quest for something unique and breathtaking, many couples or gift-givers overlook the one truly priceless item they can purchase ... natural colored diamonds. White diamonds are often the gemstone of choice in engagement rings or anniversary bands, but there’s something rarer that can make the ultimate statement: Natural colored diamonds. According to historians, natural colored diamonds have been
prized throughout the years for their rarity and appeal. The Hope diamond or the Pumpkin diamond have been coveted
by the rich and famous, and it’s often been colored diamonds that have adorned royalty and other fashion-forward individuals, such as Hollywood stars on the red carpet. Natural colored diamonds
are born in different diamond mines around the world. Their hues are formed by stray atoms present at the time of formation. Colors can range from very rare blues to pinks to yellows to chocolates. While diamonds are made to last forever, colored diamond mines are hard to come by and their stock isn’t forever replenished. This contributes to the rarity of natural colored diamonds. Incorporating natural colored diamonds into a jewelry collection is as easy as using your imagination. Here are tips for gifting and using natural colored diamonds: * Propose with a colored diamond. Tie it into her favorite
childhood color or even the color of her eyes. * Make the “something blue” at your wedding a beautiful pendant necklace or earrings adorned with a rare, blue hued diamond. * Tie a jewelry gift into his or her heritage. Irish eyes will be smiling with a green colored diamond. Or tell your loved one you consider him or her to be royalty with a regal purple diamond. * Celebrate traditional anniversary milestones with colored diamonds. For example, “leather” on the 3rd anniversary can be a chocolate colored diamond, while “candy” on the 6th anniversary can be exemplified by a cotton candy pink colored diamond. * Show her how much you care on your anniversary by offering colored diamonds that coordinate with the birthstones of your children. * Gift him with a diamond ring or cufflinks that feature the colors of his favorite sports team.
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KIDS AND GIFTS: How many is too much? Despite the many messages from all corners promoting a “more is better” philosophy when it comes to holiday gifts, the truth is far more complex -- especially for children. While most parents work hard to give their kids everything they need and much of what they want, it is often hard to draw the line,
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prompting many well intentioned moms and dads to ask, “How much is too much?” In general, the answer lies within each family. Parents should purchase what makes sense to them and what they believe their children will use and appreciate. However, in recent years, child psychologists and experts in child development have returned to these questions as economic conditions have forced many families to scale back, both throughout the year and during the holiday season. Books such as “The Pampered Child Syndrome” (Jessica Kingsley, 2006) by Maggie Mamen and “Give Me, Get Me, Buy Me” (HCI, 2010) by Donna Corwin and several others on the same topic offer similar conclusions: When children are given too much over the course of their childhoods, they can develop a serious case of entitlement, become unappreciative of what they have and begin to equate love with “stuff.” And for younger children, receiving a huge pile of gifts in one sitting can be both overwhelming and
overstimulating. If you have been wondering about these issues, here are some general guidelines for having a fun-filled holiday with just enough stuff. Make a gift plan Before setting out on your first shopping expedition, devise a plan that makes sense for your family. If you have younger children, decide on the number
Opt for a shared experience Consider pooling the money you would have spent on individual gifts and putting it toward a special outing, vacation or shared item for your home. Long after the toys have broken and the electronics have stopped working, your children will cherish their memories of a holiday that focused on sharing time together.
of gifts for each. With older children, you might want to establish a dollar amount rather than a gift amount. Once you’ve made the plan, stick to it -- no matter what.
Communicate If Grandpa or Aunt Emily has a reputation for heaping on the presents at Christmas, let them know ahead of time that one will do, then offer a suggestion that is sure to please your son or daughter. If they insist that they want to do more, consider asking them to make a donation in your child’s name to a charitable organization or to purchase a gift for a local child in need.
Draw names Particularly in bigger families, gift-giving can become a financial and emotional burden if everyone buys for everyone. Drawing names not only reduces those burdens, but often results in more meaningful gifts all around.
Collaborate Sometimes one big gift makes a lot more sense. If your child would love a new bike or a trampoline or horseback riding lessons, consider asking extended family members to contribute to that item or to items that go with it, such as a helmet or other gear.
Origins of a holiday staple The thick, spiced drink we know as eggnog has become synonymous with the holidays. It is so linked with the Christmas season that a person may be hard-pressed to find it sold in the supermarket any other time of the year. But eggnog wasn’t always the holiday beverage it has become. Eggnog is believed to have originated in 17th century Europe, primarily as a drink for the elite, since the ingredients in the beverage were hard to come by and thusly relegated to the very rich. There are different theories on the origins of the word eggnog itself. Some believe it has gotten its name from the Old English word “nog,” which meant “strong beer.” The “egg” refers to one of the ingredients in the beverage, fresh eggs. Others surmise that it comes from the word “noggin,” which was a vessel for serving drinks in taverns. The drink was called “egg in a noggin,” which was shortened to “eggnog.” Still, there are others who say its name is derived from the term “grog,” which was another term for booze. “Egg n’ grog” was eventually abbreviated to “eggnog.” Although there is little certainty to the origins of the name, the recipe for eggnog has essentially remained unchanged throughout the centuries. It consists of beaten eggs, cream or milk and sugar mixed with some sort of alcoholic spirit. The Old English were believed to mix it with wine, though once the drink was brought to the New
World, colonists substituted rum for the wine. Rum was readily available through tradesman running between the Americas and the Caribbean and therefore less expensive than another spirit. As America grew and eggnog was enjoyed in different parts of the country, the rum was replaced with regional spirits, including bourbon or grain alcohol. Other ingredients were also added to give it a customized flavor. However, the use of
and authenticity. Try your own homemade eggnog with this recipe, courtesy of Cooks.com.
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Stir again and serve sprinkled with nutmeg.
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nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves has become traditional flavors for the holiday brew. Although eggnog is widely enjoyed throughout the holiday season, in the past it was served at special events and social occasions. As a warmed beverage it can easily chase away winter’s chill. This is how it may have come to be enjoyed primarily during the holidays. Love it or hate it, eggnog is a drink that can evoke strong feelings of the holidays within minutes. There are variations of eggnog sold commercially, but many people swear by homemade versions for their taste
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Stone Presbyterian Church, Clinton with steeple prior to 1923 provided by Dick Williams; Kirkland & Clinton Public Historian One of the many talented artisans at the Artisans’ Corner, Clinton. Susy Quayle, owner/designer of ZookeyQ sock creatures! So adorable its hard to choose just one!
Sylvan Beach Water Slide CA. 1910
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Kayla Bronson of Team Enterprises was on hand at Seneca Wine & Liquors on Seneca Turnpike offering samples of the latest liquors just in time for the holidays! 28 VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011
We are glad you picked up your copy of VITAL if you would prefer a first class mailed subscription please send $40. For 1 Year (12 issues) OR $25. for 6 months (6 issues) Send subscription information and payment to Pulse Point Press; 6 Willams Street; Clinton, NY 13323
UTICA SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN
Campaign Goal: $126,000
The Salvation Army Utica Citadel Corps will officially begin its Annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign on Monday, November 14, 2011. The iconic red kettles will start springing up around the area in locations such as Price Chopper Supermarkets, Chanatry’s Supermarket, Herb Philipson’s Army & Navy Store, and KMart. Wal*Mart will join in the fundraising effort on Black Friday. Many local, smaller businesses have graciously agreed to host countertop kettles at their place of business. Those include MarrLogg Restaurant, O’Scuignizzo Pizzeria in North Utica, KeyBank in Downtown Utica, Pin-o-Rama Bowling, East Dynasty Buffet, Parkway Drugs, and Casab’s Deli.
ministry, the food pantry, and the daily soup kitchen. Monies also are earmarked for disaster relief and summer programs for youths in the community.
The goal of the 2011 campaign is $126,000. “It may seem like a lot of money to raise in such a short time,” said Captain Frank Piccioto, “but the amount of people in need of our services has increased dramatically over the years due to the financial situation the entire country is experiencing.”
This year’s honorary Chairperson for the event is Joe Kelly, a noted author and local television personality. The Chairman of the Committee is Lou Parrotta, Chairman of the Salvation Army of Utica Advisory Board.
The money raised from the Red Kettle Campaign goes to services such as Christmas meals, children and adult programs throughout the year,
“In 2010, the Salvation Army served over 2,300 meals, gave clothing to over 6,000 individuals, provided toys at Christmas to over 3,000 children, visited and brought gifts to over 2,800 seniors residing in nursing homes, served nearly 8,500 meals in the soup kitchen, and took care of 4,200 people out of our food pantry,” Captain Piccioto added. “And, that is just some of the numerous services we provide throughout the year.”
For those wishing to volunteer or interested in hosting a countertop kettle, please contact Captains Frank & Shana Piccioto at 315-724-8736 or email them at TSAofUtica@ hotmail.com.
Linda, one of the smiling faces that will greet you at Yankee Ltd. Of Sherrill, located in the historic Skinner Block since 1984. Linda and owner Judy Wayland-Smith would like to invite you to experience the newly expanded ladies boutique featuring apparel, jewelry, scarves, handbags and other accessories. See the ad on page 6.
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The “elves” at Tracy’s Hallmark, New Hartford Shopping Center from l: Monica Benton, Debby DeSanctis and Debbie Walsh, store manager. VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011 29
THE CHRISTMAS STORY OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS Paraphrased from the Bible, books Matthew & Luke The Conception of Jesus Foretold Mary, a virgin, was living in Galilee of Nazareth and was engaged to be married to Joseph, a Jewish carpenter. An angel visited her and explained to her that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. She would carry and give birth to this child and she would name him Jesus. At first Mary was afraid and troubled by the angel’s words. Being a virgin, Mary questioned the angel, “How will this be?” The angel explained that the child would be God’s own Son and, therefore, “nothing is impossible with God.” Humbled and in awe, Mary believed the angel of the Lord and rejoiced in God her Savior. Surely Mary reflected with wonder on the words found in Isaiah 7:14 foretelling this event, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (NIV) The Birth of Jesus: While Mary was still engaged to Joseph, she miraculously became pregnant through the Holy Spirit, as foretold to her by the angel. When Mary told Joseph she was pregnant, he had every right to feel disgraced. He knew the child was not his own, and Mary’s apparent unfaithfulness carried a grave social stigma. Joseph not only had the right to divorce Mary, under Jewish law she could be put to death by stoning. Although Joseph’s initial reaction was to break the engagement, the appropriate thing for a righteous man to do, he treated Mary with extreme kindness. He did not want to cause her further shame, so he decided to act quietly. But God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to verify Mary’s story and reassure him that his marriage to her was God’s will. The angel explained that the child within Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit, that his name would be Jesus and that he was the Messiah, God with us. When Joseph woke from his dream, he willingly obeyed God and took Mary home to be his wife, in spite of the public humiliation he would face. Perhaps this noble quality is one of the reasons God chose him to be the Messiah’s earthly father. Joseph too must have wondered in awe as he remembered the words found in Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will 30 VITAL pulsepointpress.com DEC. 2011
call him Immanuel.” (NIV) At that time, Caesar Augustus decreed that a census be taken, and every person in the entire Roman world had to go to his own town to register. Joseph, being of the line of David, was required to go to Bethlehem to register with Mary. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Probably due to the census, the inn was too crowded, and Mary gave birth in a crude stable. She wrapped the baby in cloths and placed him in a manger. The Shepherd’s Worship the Savior: Out in the fields, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were tending their flocks of sheep by night. The angel announced that the Savior had been born in the town of David. Suddenly a great host of heavenly beings appeared with the angels and began singing praises to God. As the angelic beings departed, the shepherds decided to travel to Bethlehem and see the Christ-child. There they found Mary, Joseph and the baby, in the stable. After their visit, they began to spread the word about this amazing child and everything the angel had said about him. They went on their way still praising and glorifying God. But Mary kept quiet, treasuring their words and pondering them in her heart. It must have been beyond her ability to grasp, that sleeping in her arms—the tender child she had just borne—was the Savior of the world. The Magi Bring Gifts: After Jesus’ birth, Herod was king of Judea. At this time wise men (Magi) from the east saw a star, they came in search, knowing the star signified the birth of the king of the Jews. The wise men came to the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem and asked where the Christ was to be born. The rulers explained, “In Bethlehem in Judea,” referring to Micah 5:2. Herod secretly met with the Magi and asked them to report back after they had found the child. Herod told the Magi that he too wanted to go and worship the babe. But secretly Herod was plotting to kill the child. So the wise men continued to follow the star in search of the new born king and found Jesus with his mother in Bethlehem. They bowed and worshipped him, offering treasures of gold, incense, and myrrh. When they left, they did not return to Herod. They had been warned in a dream of his plot to destroy the child.
When buying anything from furniture to electronics, consumers are often inclined to turn to their nearby big box store as a first stop in comparison shopping. Although big box retailers do offer competitive prices, they may not be the best option for consumers trying to stay on budget or close to it. Boutique shops and local merchants offer better overall service than bigger chains.
Good Things Come in Smaller Packages
many consumers. The trend is to revitalize “Main Street America” by shopping smaller retailers and Mom & Pop establishments. Some companies actually offer incentives to do so. During the 2010 holiday season, American Express credited a portion of customers’ accounts on items purchased at small businesses on the Saturday after Black Friday. There is a new initiative to rename that day “Small Business Saturday” in an effort to encourage more consumers to shop small businesses, specialty and boutique retailers.
According to University of Utah assistant marketing professors Arul and Himanshu Mishra, it’s common to find similar pricing on most items in many big box stores. Therefore, these retailers use big-ticket items to attract customers, who then just stay in the store to get the remaining higher-margin items and accessories on their lists.
Shopping in smaller stores or independent online retailers also may be preferable to
come at the expense of poor customer service or limited selection. Many independent retailers. offer price matching to remain competitive with the larger merchants in the area, and it’s hard to beat independent retailers on customer service or the availability of a wide selection of distinct items. What sets smaller retailers
Local Economy,” reviewed financial data from 15 locally owned businesses in New Orleans and compared these stores’ impact on the local economy to that of an average SuperTarget(R) store. The study found that only 16 percent of the money spent at a SuperTarget stays in the local economy. In contrast, the local retailers returned more than 32 percent of their revenue to the local economy.
Smaller Crowds and Fewer Hassles Another advantage to shopping smaller retailers is that shoppers don’t have to drive long distances, fight crowds, endure long lines, or hunt for parking spots, making for a stress-free shopping experience that’s also smart from an environmental standpoint.
In many cases, local businesses also shop local, equipping their stores and building their Web sites with resources from other local companies. This means more money is being kept in the neighborhood and in the country.
Because of a more specialized selection, dedicated product specialists also may be more knowledgeable about the stock and functionality of certain items.
Customers who normally lean toward bigger retailers may want to experience the benefits of shopping outside the box.
Local Gives More Back A September 2009 study in Civic Economics titled “Thinking Outside the Box: A Report on Independent Merchants and the
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Price is a major factor in where people shop. Millions of people turn to big box retailBetter Service, Low Prices ers thinking they will get the Many shoppers, particularly best prices, but a little research younger shoppers with less discan yield other findings. While posable income, are under the some bigger chains may offer doorbuster sales luring ...study found that only 16 percent customers of the money spent at a in with the SuperTarget stays in the local “item du economy. jour,” in general, prices on most everyday items are mistaken impression that big the same or higher than other box retailers are the best way to retailers. All it takes is an online shop due to widespread advercomparison of a certain product tising by these retail giants. This to show the similarity in pricing. type of shopping, however, could
apart from big box retailers is their dedication to service and providing customers with extensive product information, including customer product reviews, to help them make an informed decision.
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